Common Coral Tree

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Bolivia

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, 30 to 40 feet tall (9-12 m); smooth grayish bark, not corky; hooked prickles scattered on trunk and branches; leaves with 3 leaflets, up to 7 inches long (17 cm), petiole and midrib prickly

Watering Needs: Occasional deep watering, needs good drainage, little or no water in winter

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings in spring and summer, truncheons in late fall

Blooming Habits:
Light orange flowers in dense clusters, about 3.5 inches long (9 cm), in early spring, generally before or as the new leaves start unfolding. The stamens don't stick out from the flowers.

Fruiting Habits:
Twisted woody black pod, up to 6 inches long (15 cm), constricted between the seeds. The bright red seeds have a black line next to the hilum.